The implementation of our project is necessary due to insufficient support for volunteer fire departments (OSP) with regard to management and their staffing problems. This affects the entire movement of volunteer fire departments as local non-governmental organizations pursuing also a great number of non-rescue socially important objectives.
The fact that this is needed and important is confirmed not only by internal information of the applicant, but also by the data from the study conducted by the Klon/Jawor Association (OSP – Local Cultural Centers), according to which 48% of respondents notice imperfections in management of organizations affecting the functioning of volunteer fire departments in local communities. They also point out lack of qualified personnel to work with the youth or suspension of generational cooperation.
We plan to organize a pilot educational program for young leaders and people working with the youth. It will benefit 100 people (with half of them aged 16-25) from 50 organizations. Furthermore, we plan to conduct a study among volunteer fire departments, with special emphasis laid on the situation of the youth, formal and legal advisory, and reconstruction of the website of the Association of Volunteer Fire Departments of the Republic of Poland.
We assume that over 1,000 volunteer fire departments will take advantage of advisory and expert support, whereas our activities will not only improve the quality of management of organizations or the effectiveness of their activities in local communities, but also increase the number of young people involved in the activities of volunteer fire departments and managing particular organizations.
The project is conducted in partnership with the Klon/Jawor Association, which will enable us to obtain professional support in the research part of our project, we will also take advantage of the experience of our partner with regard to providing expert support, conducting workshops, and offering consultations.